Thread: a strange name...

A few years ago, I found the name Mavra (Мавра) on a website with Russian names and decided to make it my pseudonym. (They said it meant "dark" - obviously not in Russian, but i heard it means "black" in Greek.) After these years, I've realized that "Mavra" basically isn't a Russian name. Why it was on that website, I have no idea. Actually my pseudonym is "Мавра Дмитриевна Звенигородская" - It's a hit with my friends at school, but Russians don't seem to like it very much - it sounds too strange I guess. (Most of my Russian friends call me by my real name, Caroline, while people at school call me Mavra.) I'm just curious if there are any opinions, meanings, or stories on the name "Mavra" from anyone here?

Whoah! I used to visit your Kino site a lot!

This post is really pointless since I can't help you out. Sorry

But it's nice to know anyways that you used to visit my site

Originally Posted by Начальница Камчатки

I'm just curious if there are any opinions, meanings, or stories on the name "Mavra" from anyone here?

check this: http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saintm1y.htm

As you can see, Maura was a early Christian martyr. As such, she is recognized by both RC and Eastern Orthodox churches. Practically all names in the Orthodox martyrology were used at one time or another (or still are used) as first names in Russia.

Mavra was a common female name until about late 19 century, especially among commoners.

Originally Posted by Начальница Камчатки

A few years ago, I found the name Mavra (Мавра) on a website with Russian names and decided to make it my pseudonym. (They said it meant "dark" - obviously not in Russian, but i heard it means "black" in Greek.) After these years, I've realized that "Mavra" basically isn't a Russian name. Why it was on that website, I have no idea. Actually my pseudonym is "Мавра Дмитриевна Звенигородская" - It's a hit with my friends at school, but Russians don't seem to like it very much - it sounds too strange I guess. (Most of my Russian friends call me by my real name, Caroline, while people at school call me Mavra.) I'm just curious if there are any opinions, meanings, or stories on the name "Mavra" from anyone here?

A good name in my opinion. A 'warm' name. I am only sorry so many of them fall under the "dated" category. Time to revive some of them.

That's my mother's name (the Scottish version is Moira).

But really, Звенигородская?